Ramble Momhttps://ramblemom.com
just a mom with a lot to sayThu, 16 Aug 2018 19:07:31 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8Brayden’s Birth Storyhttps://ramblemom.com/2018/08/16/braydens-birth-story/
https://ramblemom.com/2018/08/16/braydens-birth-story/#commentsThu, 16 Aug 2018 19:07:31 +0000https://ramblemom.com/?p=88Read more]]>I It occurs to me the other day that I’ve not blogged about the birth of my son. I know when I was pregnant I spent countless baths reading blogs about birth stories trying to get an idea of what to expect. Here is the journey of how Brayden Tyler came into this world.

38 weeks pregnant:
It was a rainy week and Lyle works outdoors so he had that particular day off work. It was about 8am and i popped up out of bed because it felt like a balloon had popped in my uterus.

Lyle told me my water probably broke so I ran to the bathroom. Tons of liquid came out so I called my mom immediately. She told me to go to the hospital, so we packed up a few bags and headed out the door.

I had contractions all the way to the hospital (about 20 mins away). When we arrived they set me up in a room and Lyle went to check me in. The reality that the baby was actually coming hadn’t set in yet.

At this point my mom and dad were 5 hours away so they quickly left work and we’re on their way to the hospital. I also called my grandma who arrived around 11am.

We got checked and I was dialated to I think a 2. They got me hooked up and the contractions kept coming. By the time my parents were arriving I was full on in labor.

We decided to go for a natural waterbirth. So with no pain medicine I was definitely trying everything to stay comfortable. I think the worst part was not being able to eat or drink anything. I kept throwing it all up. Even sips of sprite wouldn’t stay down.

We continued to labor all through the day and into the evening. Snow stsrted to come down pretty hard. The first snow of the season. It was beautiful.

14 hours into labor:
We were dialated to an 8, so my midwife finally let me get in the birthing tub and try pushing. Hubby got in with me and my midwife explained what would happen and the sensations I would feel. I pushed for about 2 hours in that tub. At this point it was midnight going on 2am.

We tried everything but it just wasn’t working. My midwife said I should get out and try to get some rest. Once I was out and they’d dried me off, she said I needed an epidural. I cried. And cried. And cried. I felt like a failure, that I couldn’t do it.

They assured me that I did so good but it just needed to be this way. I was under too much stress. So, no happily, I got the epidural. And I have to say, after 19 hours with no pain medicine, it was a huge releif.

The epidural came at about 4am. At that point my dad went home to let our dog out and get some rest himself. Everyone else got some rest at the hospital. Including me.

24 hours of labor:
The Dr came in, my midwife was in another town, and explained to us that we could wait for Brayden to come out (which could be another day) or we could opt for a c section. The very last thing I wanted to happpen.

After talking it through with hubby and everyone, we decided a c section was best for me and baby. 24 hours of labor couldn’t have been easy on him either. So we scheduled it for noon that morning.

Around 12:30, they came to get me and Lyle prepped. It was the scariest thing because I’ve never had surgery before and they strapped my arms down.

They let Lyle take the GoPro in so he got the birth I’m film, which is pretty awesome to look back on!

I remember feeling a ton of pressure on my bwlly, then hearing him cry. I got years and said, “Is that him? Is he here?” They plopped him over the curtain and showed me that it was a boy.

Once he was bundled they let me snuggle him for a bit and then Lyle went with him to get weighed and swaddled while they stitched me up.

Once I was all stitched we all went to the room and we were now a family of 3. My life was forever changed and the amazing journey began.

Although, it didn’t go the way we’d planned, Brayden is happy and healthy.

Brayden weighed 7.8 and measured 21.5

]]>https://ramblemom.com/2018/08/16/braydens-birth-story/feed/25My Letter to New Momshttps://ramblemom.com/2018/08/13/84/
https://ramblemom.com/2018/08/13/84/#respondMon, 13 Aug 2018 15:01:06 +0000https://ramblemom.com/?p=84Read more]]>This is my letter to all my lovely expecting mom’s and newbie moms. Please note that I am not a physician or expert. Just a new mom myself with some hopefully encouraging words and advice.

No amount of research will prepare you for giving birth. All you can do is be confident and open to anything that comes along. Accept the fact that this baby will come on its own terms and doesn’t take into consideration that you are planning a peaceful natural Waterbirth. Don’t be disappointed if the birth doesn’t go as planned. When that little baby comes out of you, nothing else matters.

Get as much skin to skin time as you possibly can. Daddy too! I can’t even preach that enough. Lay with that little baby on your chest for hours on end when you’re in the hospital. Let the nurses pamper you. Because when you go home, it’s a whole new ball game.

On that note, accept help from those who offer. It may come few and far between, but that little bit of help will make a world of difference. Ask for help when you feel overwhelmed. Even if you just need someone to talk to, reach out.

The first week or two will be rough. If your husband finds you curled up in a ball in the shower crying (yes, guilty) you’re not a failure. You are doing everything right. You just grew a human out of thin air and then pushed it out of you, I think you’re allowed to break down. On the note of showers, milk them. Take extra long showers and enjoy the time to yourself for a few minutes.

For my breastfeeding mama’s, you can do it! Don’t let the pressure of social media get to you. If you chose to breastfeed, you can. Your body came equipped with a set of glands that will produce everything your baby needs to grow. Don’t doubt your body. Hang in there because your nipples are in for a ride. When you think you want to give up, push through.

Enjoy the time spent breastfeeding, because one day they won’t need your boob anymore. Soak up every minute of it.

Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. You will get through all the hurdles. You just will. You’re supermom now, you have those powers.

Tale away all expectations. Don’t worry if you don’t get tummy time in today. It’s okay to not do a bedtime story every single night. It’s okay to get overwhelmed and want a break. It’s okay to take time to yourself. It’s all okay.

You are beautiful every single day. Yes, you’re probably going to rock the mom bun and plan your outfits on how accessible your boobs are for feeding time. You are gorgeous. You now nuture a little tiny human. They don’t care if you have makeup on or not. The world will understand.

Expect to feel like a zombie 95% of the time. Get acquainted with the bags under your eyes. It really helps if you have a hubby that takes turns with you on the night shifts. Work out a routine that works for you and work together as a team. Even when your silently cursing him for sleeping so soundly while your up even though you told him to get some rest. Haha, totally guilty!

My last tip I can offer is, always have water and a snack nearby; and always make sure your phone is within reach before sitting down for a feeding!

Always remember that this is such a wonderful amazing journey you are so lucky to be on. There are so many people that wish they were up at night with their children. So many women who wish their boobs we’re engorged from breastfeeding. So many women who wish they had little babies to cuddle, and you’ve been blessed to have that opportunity. With every dirty diaper there is a smile that looks up to you. A new little soul who, to them, you are their world.

Make memories, laugh, be amazing.

]]>https://ramblemom.com/2018/08/13/84/feed/0My Self Guided One Tree Hill Tour through Wilmington, NChttps://ramblemom.com/2018/07/03/wilmington-nc-one-tree-hill/
https://ramblemom.com/2018/07/03/wilmington-nc-one-tree-hill/#commentsTue, 03 Jul 2018 23:56:53 +0000https://ramblemom.com/?p=20Read more]]>If you’re like me, you were one of the original One Tree Hill fans who binge watched the entire series multiple times. You knew facts about the characters and pretty much were one of Tree Hill’s residents. Then, you are well aware that Wilmington, NC is where ‘Tree Hill’ exists. This location has been on my bucket list since well before the show ended. So much, that when hubby and I were picking our wedding destination, Wilmington was a legit option. So when we vacationed to Myrtle Beach, SC for 10 days and were brainstorming things to do that were close by, you bet your bottom dollar that Wilmington was a MUST!

Exploring this cute little town was more than words can explain. Whether you’re a fan of the show or just love exploring new places, this town has alot to offer. I did alot of searching beforehand and put together the perfect day route to visit all the must see areas. Please excuse my pregnant belly in these photos.

We were coming from Myrtle Beach, SC, so we left at about 9am and headed to Wilmington. Hubby, Child, Mom, and Dad in tow with me. One way or another I got them all excited to see this town. The drive from Myrtle Beach was about a hour and a half. Not a bad drive.

Our first stop was the River Court. You can get to the river court by following 1 Battleship Rd. on your GPS. It will take you to the battleship, but Battleship Park is right there and you’ll see it right away. I knew the river court was torn down right after filming, but I was expecting (from previous research online) to see the area where it used to be. Instead I found a beautiful newly built pavilion. I don’t know if I was happy or sad. I was sad that I couldn’t see where the river court used to be, but at the same time I was happy that they built something that can make people happy.

The pavilion provides tons of space for people to leave their OTH memories, so bring your sharpie! (I actually had to stop on our way and get a sharpie, haha, yes that happened)

Our next stop was Tric. Located at 1211 S. Front St. Be sure to bring your sharpie here too, because like tons of others, you’ll be able to leave your mark! Like the river court, they tore down the stairs as soon as filming was over, but you can still see the entrance and where the stairs used to be, so this one was kinda neat.

Next up, Brooke’s house. The famous ‘girl behind the red door’. And I was pleasantly surprised to see it was just as beautiful as in the show. It looked almost untouched! The people were home, but I had no shame going up and getting my picture. Located at 2314 Tattersalls Dr.

Next . . . Nathan’s House. Not far from Brooke’s, you can find this one at 1621 Country Club Rd. In the previous research I had done, I read that this one was hard to see from the road, it was overgrown. But I had no trouble recognizing it and seeing the memories there. There was even a basketball hoop in the driveway!

Keith Scott’s Auto Body was our next stop. Located at 19 Covil Ave. These are all pretty close together, so get ready to be in and out of the car. Keith’s is right along a main road and an intersection and it is a working garage that was pretty busy on this Tuesday afternoon, so I didn’t want to clog up their parking lot by pulling in. I just did a drive by on this one, but it was pretty cool because all the doors were open and I think I actually looked inside for Lucas and Keith. No such luck.

My next stop wasn’t anything from the show, but I think it’s an essential to have on your list.

One Tree Hill Way. Just a few blocks from Keith’s, you can find this one at 1223 N. 23rd St.

Next up is a two in one. Peyton & Haley’s houses. They are located right next door to each other so this one was convenient. You can find Peyton’s at 1901 Chestnut St. and Haley’s at 1811 Chestnut St. Peyton’s was a little grown so the window that Derek fell out of was kinda blocked by the tree, but if you are walking and just walk to the left a little, you can see it (obviously) haha.

Next door is Haley’s house, which I don’t remember too much of from the show, but made it no less exciting. The houses were gorgeous and beautiful. At Peyton’s house we saw a car sitting and a girl lingering by her car. As we walked up she asked if we were there for One Tree Hill. She said her boyfriend was in the car, but too afraid to get out and take her picture. We had her back and she was with us for the next 3 houses.

After that, I had an address in my GPS that I didn’t have on my list. I knew it was something, but didn’t know what. At this point I was a little excited because it was a surprise. As we pulled up, I instantly recognized it at Lucas’ house. I was like a little girl all excited like he was going to come out or something.

Lucas’ house is located at 1829 Wrightsville Ave. It had a sign in the window saying beware of dog or something, and then a security system as well. I had no shame in going and sitting on the steps like I owned the place.

After visiting the houses, we were getting hungry so we decided to go down to the riverfront and do some walking.

As we were walking we ran right into the Record Store! Located at 8 Market St, it is now The Black Cat Shoppe. I snapped a few quick photos, because my family was still walking, not knowing we had stumbled on an iconic place.

We did turn around and we went in because this is such a cute, quirky little shop. Be sure to stop in! They also have OTH merchandise, which is where I ended up getting my merchandise. I later went back to get my stuff because I was told there were other shops in the area that had stuff, but I wanted to spend my money at a place that actually was in OTH. Plus they had what I wanted and it was the best priced.

Next, we ran into Karen’s Cafe and Clothes over Bros. This one was a little confusing to me because the research I did said they were directly across the street from each other. Well, the research was wrong and Karen’s Cafe is located at the corner of Grace St. & Market St. It is now an Outdoor Equipment store.

Anyways, they are the same building so you can kill 2 birds with one stone on this one.

At this point we were getting really hungry, so we ended up eating at a place called Fat Tony’s. We passed by a place called the Copper Penny, but the wait was 30+ minutes. Fat Tony’s was really good and really good priced. The pizza slices were huge, so be sure you’re ready to eat if you order more than one slice!

Next stop, The Cracker Jack Table!!! This one was one I was super excited for. We walked a block and a half down to Market St. and followed Market 1 block down to the riverfront. Don’t forget your sharpie here too! It’s the first table you see and located right next to the Information Center. Don’t be ashamed to sit and re-create this iconic and lovable moment! Hubby and I did!

Per my research, I had read that there is a cute little shop right next to this location called Poodle’s Island Wear and that they sell OTH merch. I was super excited to get some stuff. I had already picked out what I wanted even before we went, but I wanted some magnets, or stickers, or something smaller to take home for myself and my OTH lovers back home.

I was very disappointed in this store. I could barely navigate my stroller in this store and there was no merchandise that I was interested in. It was also super overpriced. I found the same stuff at the Black Cat Shoppe for almost $10 cheaper. One of my favorite moments from this trip was in this store though. Hubby spotted a box of cracker jacks and said he would buy it for me and we could to back to the bench. If my heart didn’t just melt! He’s never even seen the show, only remembers what I’ve told him. On our way out of this shop, empty handed, hubby spotted a store he thought I would like just across the alley. I didn’t get a picture, but it’s like a little hippie shop, and super adorable! If you like tye – dye and incense, it’s a must stop! Nothing One Tree Hill, but they have some cute stuff.

Next up, the High School. Located at 610 N. Front St. I think this one was my biggest let down. They were currently doing construction on it, so I didn’t even recognize it. I thought we were in the wrong place. My dad to the rescue, I pulled up a photo of the school from the show and he recognized the side of the building.

I was really hoping to get a photo under what would have been ‘Whitey Durham Field’, but that no longer exists. Literally, the only recognizable part of this is the side of the building. I would have loved to go inside though and see what the inside looks like. No such luck. You’ll recognize this one because it says Schwarz Center on the front. If you pass by with the entrance on your right, turn right on the street just after the building and you’ll see the recognizable part. Parking is great here, you can park on the street and get out and take your photo and instantly become a Tree Hill Raven.

At this point, I realized I had forgotten to go back to the Black Cat Shoppe and get my merchandise! Luckily, we were still downtown and it was only about 3 minutes away. I popped in one more shop that had OTH stuff, but nothing I wanted. I knew going in that I wanted the Keith Scott Auto Shop Grey hoodie that Lucas wears, and that’s what I got! Yes, it’s dead of summer, 90 degrees and I’m wearing a hoodie as I write this. (I’m in air conditioning, don’t get your panties in a bunch) I also picked up a sticker for my laptop, and a few magnets for some of my friends back home.

Our last stop was also one I was super excited for and I think the one that held the most emotions. Much like the River Court, I could feel the energy there. This one was, obviously, the Bridge! This is Harry Forden Bridge. Don’t forget your sharpie here too!

This is a working bridge, so be prepared to go over and you can find a place to park along the street and walk up. Make sure you have a few minutes, because something about this bridge makes you wanna just sit and dangle your legs. I only wish I had a basketball with me.

The whole day took about 4 hours, with lunch included. It was a perfect little day trip for my family and I am so glad I got everything in that I wanted to see. There are the beach houses nearby, but I didn’t get to those and I’m okay with that. We also passed by the cemetery a couple times when seeing the houses, but I didn’t snap a picture of that.

I hope this inspires you to visit Wilmington, NC someday and experience OTH in all it’s glory. Things are definitely changing, but you can still see the history there. Now, let’s all go binge watch One Tree Hill all over again!